旁观者清 (páng guān zhě qīng) — the onlooker sees most clearly; outsiders have a clearer perspective

Definition

A chengyu meaning 'the onlooker sees most clearly' — someone outside a situation has a clearer view than those involved. Often paired with 当局者迷 (the insider is confused).

verb
the onlooker sees most clearlyoutsiders have a clearer perspective

Examples

  • 旁观者清
    Zhè jiàn shì wǒ men tài zháo jí le, fǎn ér kàn bù qīng, zhēn shì páng guān zhě qīng.
    We're too anxious about this matter and can't see clearly — truly, the onlooker sees most clearly.
  • 旁观者清
    Dāng jú zhě mí, páng guān zhě qīng, nǐ yīng gāi tīng tīng bié rén de yì jiàn.
    Those involved are confused, while the onlooker sees clearly — you should listen to others' opinions.
  • 旁观者清
    Bié jí zhe zuò jué dìng, yě xǔ páng guān zhě qīng, xiān wèn wèn páng guān zhě de kàn fǎ.
    Don't rush to decide; maybe the onlooker sees most clearly — first ask for an outsider's view.

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